5.1 vs 4.1

[Stiganator]

Alright guys I am in the running to get some speakers to compliment my Audigy Platinum. Does a center channel really add alot or is 4.1 adequate for movies and games?

 

[MasterHoss]

Unless you're an avid DVD movie watcher and or DVD audio listener, I'd save the money and get yourself a 4.1 speaker solution for your computer. As for games, there are a growing number of games that compliment a 5.1 speaker system, but again, most will find the 4.1 solution more than adequate for gaming.

 

[LordJezo]

In movies I know it makes the vocals in most movies come through much clearer and louder.

But thats about it.. 4.1 suits me fine.

 

[Stiganator]

what exactly does the center channel add? Will there be a drop in sound quality if I go 4.1? Keep in mind it is either the Promedia 5.1 or Promedia 4.1 by klipsch. As I understand the center is a "filler" channel? Will I come across problems using 4.1 speakers on a 5.1 compliant game or DVD?

 

[MasterHoss]

Quite the contrary; the center channel is no "filler channel." The center channel serves the purpose of making movies/games more realistic by adding another distinct location where sound can emanate from. For example, when watching a DVD movie with a 5.1 bitstream (DD or DTS), if a voice is supposed to be coming from directly in front of you, you'll get it from the center channel etc. In games, if someone is looking straight at you and running toward you while shooting a gun, you'll know it because not only will you see them coming straight for you, but you'll here their gun shots coming from the center channel.

Again, if you're an avid DVD movie watcher, I would assume that you'd be sitting away from your computer to watch movies... for me, at about 3 feet away from my desk, the "phantom center channel" that is produced by correctly placed front left and front right speakers is loses its effectiveness.

Speaking of the phantom center channel, no you will not lose anything sending a 5.1 bitstream to a 4.1 speaker system because the signal will correct be down mixed to the speakers that you have--> 4.1 surround sound with both your front left and front right speakers also acting as a center channel speaker (a phantom one).

EDIT: On a side note, if you have the $$, I would recommend getting the ProMedia 5.1 speaker system. The bass is incredibly impressive, you'll have less "shrilly highs" that many people hate and associate with the ProMedia speaker line, and more solid midbass. Of course, you're also dealing with fire as the ProMedia 5.1 speaker systems seem to fail more frequently than any of the other ProMedia line of speakers.

 

[sandorski]

I'll second Masterhoss's opinion.

The Centre channel really makes a difference for DVD dialogue, especially during quiet(whispering etc) sequences. The PM 5.1s sub is awesome too.

 

[TNTrulez]

Originally posted by: MasterHoss
Quite the contrary; the center channel is no "filler channel." The center channel serves the purpose of making movies/games more realistic by adding another distinct location where sound can emanate from. For example, when watching a DVD movie with a 5.1 bitstream (DD or DTS), if a voice is supposed to be coming from directly in front of you, you'll get it from the center channel etc. In games, if someone is looking straight at you and running toward you while shooting a gun, you'll know it because not only will you see them coming straight for you, but you'll here their gun shots coming from the center channel.

Again, if you're an avid DVD movie watcher, I would assume that you'd be sitting away from your computer to watch movies... for me, at about 3 feet away from my desk, the "phantom center channel" that is produced by correctly placed front left and front right speakers is loses its effectiveness.

Speaking of the phantom center channel, no you will not lose anything sending a 5.1 bitstream to a 4.1 speaker system because the signal will correct be down mixed to the speakers that you have--> 4.1 surround sound with both your front left and front right speakers also acting as a center channel speaker (a phantom one).

EDIT: On a side note, if you have the $$, I would recommend getting the ProMedia 5.1 speaker system. The bass is incredibly impressive, you'll have less "shrilly highs" that many people hate and associate with the ProMedia speaker line, and more solid midbass. Of course, you're also dealing with fire as the ProMedia 5.1 speaker systems seem to fail more frequently than any of the other ProMedia line of speakers.